Jonathan Edwards

               I have to admit – I had a bit of trouble fully grasping the concepts in Jonathan Edwards’ writing, but I think I can still reflect accordingly. My spiritual passion for Christ affects absolutely everything I do. Obviously that includes my studies here at ETBU. I constantly refer to Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…” I do not work at my studies for myself, my parents, my professors, or anyone else. It is completely for the Lord, so that he can use me and my education however he wills. Viewing it as working for the Lord gives my studies so much more purpose and motivation. I strive to fulfill my potential, to be the best I can in every area of life because it pleases the Lord, and that is what I passionately desire to do.
               At the same time, my studies have a similar effect on my walk with Christ. As I learn and grow in intellectual areas, wisdom and knowledge abound. I am pushed to seek the Lord more effectively. I become filled with new ideas, thoughts, lessons…and I want more! I want to know what the Lord thinks about those things. I become curious to find out how he will use the lesson I learned in class the other day to shape me or even the message from the speaker in chapel. I become passionate about understanding the things of the Lord in relation to what I am studying. It truly helps develop a spiritual passion for Christ within me as all these things slowly form my belief system and enlighten me to what God has for me to do in his kingdom. It’s cool to see how God absolutely uses our intellectual pursuits to prepare us for his work and to give us passion and desire for him.